We headed south from Joshua Tree National Park along Box Canyon Rd. Taking Box Canyon cuts off a few miles from driving I-10 to Hwy 86 south. Not only does it save some miles but it also is a nice, quiet, peaceful, scenic drive right along the San Andreas Fault. Who doesn’t want that?
Box Canyon Rd is a popular boondocking spot with areas all along the road for pulling off and enjoying a few nights. One of the popular areas is Painted Canyon Rd which intersects Box Canyon. You just have to be careful along either road with soft sand and/or flash floods should rain be in the forecast.
As we drove through the area there were a few (30 or 40) bicyclists riding along the road. Share the Road!
We then headed on through Mecca and mailed our Christmas cards and took in the sights of the town’s new main street complete with new Fire Department building, Health center, Community Center, Library, etc. They have done a lovely job with revitalizing the town. A beautiful little community with some fun people.
We then decided to check out a campground that some of our friends had recommended. They had mentioned a “cute” little place somewhere south of Mecca about 5 miles on Hwy 86. Hmmm….so off we went to try and find this place. We also were thinking about a place to hunker down during the “California Stormeggedon” and determined that a “Box Canyon” was not that place. Sure enough we found “it” and it was “cute”. The Oasis Palms RV Park. Not only was the sun shinning, it was hot, and the people could not have been any friendlier and any more jubilant.
The RV park, although old and a bit tired, has a charm to it that cannot be described. It sits just off Hwy 86 (whereby the traffic noise can be a bit bothersome but you get used to it) surrounded by citrus trees and palm trees. You are welcome to help yourself to any lemons, oranges, or tangerines that you want. Lemon curd is on its way!
There is a nice pool, jacuzzi, library room/game room with a real wood burning fireplace, nice showers, a nice guest reception area with coffee (Keurig) and fresh chocolate chip cookies, a tennis court, and a nice pond out back with a fountain and even a row boat. There is a fire pit area with firewood next to the pond whereby you can throw the wood onto the fire and sit and sip your coffee in the morning and/or wine in the evening (or vice versa). Management even offers to keep the pool/spa open as late as you want and will turn the lights off so you can sit and soak in the spa and enjoy the stars. Just let them know what you want. Your wish is their command. They could not be any more accomodating.
The park has a nice, quaint, old town charm. You don’t find those kind of RV parks anymore. It’s like visiting your grandma’s house.
RV Park: Oasis Palms RV Park
Location: Thermal, CA (actually south of Mecca and sometimes referred to as Oasis, CA)
Site: P2
Cost: $40 (a bit steep but quite a few amenities)
Services: FHU (50 AMP)
Comments: A charming park with great management that make you feel welcome. You have everything you need. The only issue is noise from Hwy 86. Lots of citrus to choose from. You feel like you have turned back the clock 30 years while visiting there. It has the old Coachella Valley feeling from the 70s.
Check out this cute, quaint RV Park. They were even so kind that they used my photos on their home page at Oasis Palm RV Park.
Sounds like a nice spot! Love all the fruit trees:)
Me too. I already made some lemon curd.
Thank you for such a wonderful review. The RV park is under new ownership now and the park is getting a well deserved facelift. Management is the same and we hope you return to see us again ! It was a pleasure having you
Annie
Our pleasure…thank you!!